Lead Project Development Engineer - Broadband (Remote or Hybrid Office Schedule )

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $2B in revenue, and employ approximately 9,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity

What We Offer:

• Flexible time off policy
• Hybrid: After gaining knowledge of our environment, there is the opportunity for this position to work under our Hybrid schedule working both in the office and remotely
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advance with an industry leading company

The Lead Project Development Engineer is primarily responsible for leading product development projects from concept through development, testing and industrialization while following a formal stage-gate process using industry recognized project management practices. The Lead Product Development Engineer is capable of serving as technical lead and/or project manager on complex scope projects and mentoring less experienced engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead one to several product development projects, depending on project scope and available resources.
• Collaborate with other project stakeholders to develop product specifications, requirements, project plans and schedules for complex development projects.
• Accountable for project delivery performance (schedule), quality (deliverables) and technical leadership (engineering principles and practices as well as engineering design oversight) via established performance metrics.
• Engage with Product Line Managers to ensure project scope is effectively developed early in the project lifecycle.
• Direct product design, detailing and fitment verifications. Direct development of manufacturing drawings and associated design documentation.
• Direct tolerance analysis and CAD model reviews to ensure proper fitment of parts within assemblies.
• Direct engineering prototype construction for design verification of fitment and performance testing.
• Define product testing requirements and plans based on industry standards and other relevant inputs.
• Direct post design verification testing analysis, as needed, to identify potential design improvement opportunities.
• Direct DFx principles (Design for Manufacturing, Design for Assembly, etc.).
• Direct DFMEA/PFMEA (Design/Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis).
• Interface with intellectual property (IP) counsel and AFL IP leadership to understand project IP landscape - directing the design to a satisfactory IP clearance position. Develop IP subject matter proficiency to for assigned projects.
• Interface with cross-functional project teams consisting of product management, application engineering, process and manufacturing engineering, quality, and development engineering during all phases of product development, including ramp-up and release to manufacturing.
• Gain and apply comprehensive understanding of fiber optic product installation, test and application methods to all new product development projects.
• Adhere to and promote the environmental, health & safety policies of AFL.
• Perform other project leadership tasks as required.

Personal Qualities

• Initiative – willingness to take on additional responsibilities
• Teamwork – works effectively in a cross-functional team environment
• Communication – possess strong written and verbal skills
• Flexible - detail oriented and able to quickly adapt under pressure to meet deadlines
• Experience – has a high level of new product development engineering experience and is capable of managing complex projects
• Accountability – willingness to accept accountability for project schedule, quality performance and design robustness.
• Continual Improvement – eager to continually improve processes to achieve higher levels of performance and quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (or other similar technical discipline)
• Parametric solid modeling experience (SolidWorks preferred)
• 8+ years of technical experience conducting new product development
• Design experience with multiple manufacturing techniques (injection molding, sheet metal forming, machining, etc.)
• Substantial experience designing molded plastic parts
• Experience working within an ISO-9001 quality management system
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, influencing and teamwork skills
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Ability to lead new product development projects from concept through design, development, testing and Industrialization while following a formal stage-gate process using industry recognized project management practices
• Prior product development project experience – including being accountable for project schedule performance and quality of deliverables

Preferred Skills (Not Required)

• Fiber Optic industry experience, especially design, development, and/or applications
• Demonstrated ability to create innovative solutions and designs
• Experience analyzing patents and drafting invention disclosures
• Project management professional certification

Working Conditions

• Office environment with some interaction with manufacturing and testing personnel.
• Hybrid office work schedule with 3 days in office nominally. Additional office time may be required as needed by project demands.
• Domestic and international travel up to 10% may be required.